Benchmark Product Certification

Looking to get your PPE product onto the market?

When safety and quality matter most, trust the BSI Benchmark®

We understand the complexity and competitiveness of the PPE industry, and the challenges this brings for companies seeking to improve margins, reduce costs and maintain quality. Whether you’re manufacturing safety helmets, safety gloves, eye protection, safety harnesses, hearing protection, safety footwear, or sports protection, we have the expertise to help you meet your testing and certification requirements for PPE.

Some of the world’s most recognised manufacturers of PPE products use BSI for independent third-party testing and certification services. Our technical expertise is second to none. Our services include direct testing and verification at PPE product development stage, providing evidence you need for the CE marking of your PPE products, to giving you a competitive edge with a BSI Benchmark.

Step 1: Find the right Standard

Your intended customers need assurance that your factory is manufacturing products that comply with the material, processing and testing requirements of the applicable standard. Many personal protective equipment standards (industry, regional, national and international) are in use around the world. It is critical that your product complies with the standard for the market you are targeting.

You can select from the PPE standards listed above. You can also contact us on 0800 583 965, or submit an on-line enquiry, so that our PPE experts can guide you on which standard best applies to your product and intended customers.

Step 2: Get your product tested

Representative samples of your product will need to be tested to prove compliance with the governing standard.

Our technical experts can advise you on the number of samples required and propose suitable test faclities for preliminary testing and for testing of the complete product range. The tests typically are standard for a variety of similar products and check for safety and durability, as well as fitness for purpose.

You can enagage the test facility of your choice however it is essential that the test facility is properly accredited to undertake the specific tests required by the standard. Testing can be conducted by the BSI UK Testing Laboratories, or at other NATA or ILAC registered laboratories.

Step 3: Site assessment

Once product testing is complete, BSI reviews and advises on the test results and test report. One of our expert Client Managers will visit your factory to determine if your management and processes are capable of consistent product manufacture and that the final product complies with the applicable standard. The Client Manager assesses your quality management system (QMS) which must meet requirements for critical actiivities such as training, process checks, equipment calibration, communication, handling of non-conformances. Our Quality System specialists can guide you in this regard. After each assessment you will receive a confidential report detailing the scope and findings of your assessment as well as Client Manager recommendations.

Step 4: Certification and beyond

If your product passes the testing and your factory passes the assessment, your product will be certified. This will allow you to distribute your product into the market. You will be issued a certificate which authorises your business to affix the BSI Benchmark Logo on your products and company literature.

Annual surveilance audits must occur to maintain product certification. Re-audit is usually necessary when there have been changes to the product design, use, method or place of manufacture, or when new standards become applicable, or when new products are added to the range.

Transfer your certification to BSI

If you're already with another notified body and want to move your certification to us to take advantage of the BSI Benchmark, the process is very straightforward. Get in contact with us today to find out more.